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Kyrgyzstan

Entertainment in Kyrgyzstan

  1. A

    Philharmonia

    Features Western and Kyrgyz orchestral works and the occasional Kyrgyz song-and-dance troupe, but you may need a local person to identify these from the playbills. In front of the Philharmonia is a statue of the legendary hero Manas slaying a dragon, flanked by his wife, Kanykey, and his old adviser, Bakayn. The kassa (ticket office) is on the west side.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Steinbräu

    The German-style pilsner and recommended dark beer (Salvator) is brewed on-site here and is the main draw. The round tables and kids' play area are great for groups and families. Georgian wines and a full menu of German food, from sausages to pretzels, adds to the Munich beer-hall vibe. For added punch try the beer cocktails (Cologne lager and Flagman vodka).

    reviewed

  3. C

    Metro

    With international sports parading across a large-screen TV and American rock and pop belting from the speakers, the Metro provides expats with a slice of American and pizza in one handy package. Add this to the on-site bookshop and the Bar and Grill restaurant and it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular Westerner hang-outs in town.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Bar Navigator

    A stylish spot where embassy workers shell out around Som100 for a gin and tonic or around Som60 for a cappuccino. The good live music makes it a classy place for a date. It also serves great appetisers and vegetarian meals.

    reviewed

  5. E

    State Opera & Ballet Theatre

    Opposite the State Museum of Fine Arts, classical Western as well as local productions play in this elegant building to half-empty halls. Check the billboards outside for current productions.

    reviewed

  6. F

    State Academic Drama Theatre

    On the east side of Panfilov Park, this is the place for popular Kyrgyz-language works, more often than not written by Chinghiz Aitmatov, Kyrgyzstan's premier man of words.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Moscow Disco

    Consists of an outside marque-covered bar and windowless rooms behind fluorescent orange doors. Play Station games on a large plasma TV cost around Som40 per hour.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Galaxia

    Offers ground floor ten-pin bowling (per game before/after 18:00 around Som140/around Som190, for children Som90/Som140 and an upstairs disco.

    reviewed

  9. Zepellin Bar

    The best of the lot with Russian rock bands playing to a young crowd most nights. It's 2km east from TsUM; a taxi costs around Som70.

    reviewed

  10. I

    2X2

    Imported grappa and coffee draw the faithful to this chic Italian-run pastel-and-chrome bar. Visa cards accepted.

    reviewed

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  12. J

    Billiards Club

    You can play pool for around Som80 an hour in the Billiards Club, underneath the Consul Restaurant.

    reviewed

  13. K

    XO

    Galaxia's upstairs disco.

    reviewed

  14. L

    Russian Drama Theatre

    For classics in Russian.

    reviewed

  15. M

    Golden Bull

    The place attempts to please everyone with its blend of American, Russian, Kyrgyz and Turkish mix of pop and R&B. The floorshow (Thursdays to Saturday) features skimpily clad male and female dancers (read strippers).

    reviewed